But it lay too deep to be discovered and estimated, if it did really exist--if it had any sounder origin than her own morbid fancy.

In the broad light of day, in the little bustling duties of life, she forgot it again.

She could think of what she ought to wear on the wedding day; she could even try privately how her new signature, "Isabel Hardyman," would look when she had the right to use it.

On the whole, it may be said that the time passed smoothly--with some occasional checks and drawbacks, which were the more easily endured seeing that they took their rise in Isabel's own conduct.

Compliant as she was in general, there were two instances, among others, in which her resolution to take her own way was not to be overcome.